CPM workers assault its woman member for backing Sabarimala custom

Thiruvananthapuram: CPM local leaders assaulted a woman party worker for hailing traditions and customs in Sabarimala in her Facebook post.

Nima’s post candidly expressed her opinion that she was ready to wait till she was 50, to meet naishtik brahmachari (celibate) Sabarimala Ayyappan, despite a Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to visit Sabarimala. Nima’s stand goes against that of the party and it provoked the pleaders.

Nima, from Pulippara in Nedumangad, said the party’s municipal councillor reached her house and threatened her if she did not withdraw her Facebook post. As she did not relent, she was manhandled by other party workers.

Nima and her 12-year-old son Kannan were injured and have been under treatment in hospital for five days. Police have not visited the hospital to record her statement.

As Nima made this complaint public, BJP leaders, including district president S Suresh, have demanded police action. Seeking help, Nima visited party general secretary AN Radhakrishnan outside the Secretariat where he was on a hunger strike.

Nima is the unit convenor of a CITU-led tailors’ union and office-bearer of an ayalkoottam samiti. Her husband Lalu is a branch committee member.